The Queen officially opened the inaugural Coronation Library as part of the National Year of Reading at Christ Church Primary School in Camden, representing a landmark moment for literacy education.
Queen Camilla, who serves as Patron of the National Literacy Trust, visited the school to meet pupils participating in literacy workshops during National Storytelling Week.
The Queen’s visit went ahead as scheduled despite renewed scrutiny surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in connection with the latest Epstein document release.
The occasion marked the first time a Coronation Library has been opened in a school since the National Year of Reading began, forming part of the National Literacy Trust's 'Libraries for Primaries' programme.
Queen Camilla presses on with royal duties as she visits Camden primary school
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The year-long reading initiative, spearheaded by the Department for Education alongside the National Literacy Trust, seeks to reignite reading enthusiasm across all age groups throughout 2026.
During her visit, the Queen engaged with young pupil librarians from nearby schools who were taking part in a training workshop led by children's author Tọlá Okogwu and the 'Libraries for Primaries' team.
The session highlighted the importance of storytelling and the pupils' roles as reading champions tasked with inspiring their peers to embrace books.
In the school hall, Her Majesty participated in an interactive assembly with Key Stage Two children, where authors Chris Smith and comic creator Ramzee led an engaging celebration of reading's wonders.
Queen Camilla adopted a business-as-usual approach
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The assembly formed part of the wider National Year of Reading festivities taking place across the country.
The Queen also spent time with the school's Reception class before receiving a unique gift from Key Stage One pupils.
Picture book author and illustrator Sophy Henn presented Her Majesty with a specially created book featuring the children's drawings of their favourite book covers.
Two pupil librarians then accompanied Camilla on a tour of the newly established Coronation Library.
Queen Camilla spoke with schoolchildren at the primary school
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She concluded the visit by unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening of the library facility.
The Queen has held her position as Patron of the National Literacy Trust since 2010, demonstrating her longstanding commitment to promoting reading and literacy skills.
The Coronation Libraries Project was established in 2023 to celebrate the Coronation and Camilla's deep passion for reading and literacy.
Queen Camilla pictured opening the school library
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Bloomberg provides funding for the libraries, which form part of the broader 'Libraries for Primaries' initiative founded by the National Literacy Trust and Penguin Books.
The programme brings together charitable, public and private sector organisations to boost investment in primary school libraries, with an ambition to ensure every UK primary school has a dedicated library space by 2029.
By the close of this academic year, the project will have transformed libraries in 45 London primary schools serving communities with lower literacy levels.